The cerebral cortex is the largest part of the human brain and mediates advanced cognitive functions such as language and abstract thinking. Its abnormal development is implicated in neurological and psychiatric disorders, including autism and schizophrenia. Our GOAL is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human cortical development in health and disease. To achieve this goal, we are conducting two PROJECTS: (1) We are elucidating the mechanism of cortical convolution by comparing wild-type mammals with convoluted cortices (i.e., humans, ferrets) and smooth cortices (i.e., mice) or those with the same genetic mutation but strikingly different phenotypes. (2) We are elucidating the role of embryonic neurogenesis in autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability using mouse models with gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations in the neurodevelopmental genes. Insights from our research will help us to understand the neurodevelopmental basis of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Accepting Lab Rotation Students: Fall Block 2024, Spring 1 and 2 Block 2025

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